Cornell Bans Fraternity Parties for Rest of Academic Year

Cornell University announced Tuesday it is barring all fraternity houses from hosting parties for the remainder of the academic year, a move aimed at strengthening campus safety and improving the university's response to sexual assault allegations.

President Michael I. Kotlikoff stated in a letter to the campus community that the ban is effective immediately. The university will also work to enhance support for survivors of sexual assault and has agreed to allow New York State Police to independently investigate allegations.

The decision follows a civil lawsuit filed by a woman, identified as Jane Doe, against Cornell, the Chi Phi fraternity, and seven fraternity members. Doe alleges she was sexually assaulted by fraternity members in 2024. The case has drawn national attention and criticism regarding Cornell's and local authorities' handling of the incident.

Hundreds of students and staff participated in a protest on campus earlier this month, demanding action and calling for changes to fraternity culture. In response to the mounting pressure, Kotlikoff acknowledged the need for significant change, stating, "It is clear that women on our campus continue to question whether they are safe. We must meet this moment by acknowledging where we have fallen short and taking meaningful action."

Earlier this month, Cornell's Board of Trustees appointed former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of the university's handling of the case. Kotlikoff indicated that while the review is underway, the university cannot delay taking immediate action.

The ban on fraternity parties is intended to allow for a comprehensive review of fraternity life at Cornell and to determine its future on campus. The university has declared a zero-tolerance policy for violations, with any fraternity found hosting an in-house party or social event facing immediate emergency suspension. Cornell has previously stated that the Chi Phi fraternity on campus was closed in 2024 and remains barred from campus.

In addition to the party ban, Cornell is implementing other measures to improve campus safety and support survivors. These include adding staff to the Cornell Office of Civil Rights and enhancing educational programs, such as those addressing the bystander effect. Kotlikoff described these actions as "first steps toward systemic change on our campus," vowing to address the conditions that led to reported assaults and ensure Cornell is a safe environment.